FITCHBURG, 1/8/2024 — Applewild School is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of its brand-new dormitory facility catering exclusively to middle school students. This cutting-edge residence is designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and conducive living environment for students in grades 4 to 9 who choose to embrace the boarding experience.

The Applewild Middle School Dormitory, spanning 17,000 sq. ft. and equipped with 40 student beds and 6 faculty apartments, has been meticulously crafted to meet the specific needs of students. When fully enrolled, this will allow our enrollment in our older grades to be half day and half boarding, creating a dynamic and vibrant learning environment for all students. 

Applewild's commitment to providing a holistic educational experience extends beyond the classroom, and the addition of the Middle School Dormitory reflects this dedication. The new facility aligns with our mission to nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only academically motivated but also socially and emotionally resilient. Our high-quality junior boarding program attracts students from around the world and across the country. When students from Ghana to Tokyo, Seattle to Miami, and local students are mixed together, it creates an inclusive, kind, and respectful environment. This allows all students to thrive as they prepare for secondary school. Parents choosing Applewild’s junior boarding or day programs do so knowing that it is an investment in their child’s future and the gift of a lifetime. 

"We are excited to introduce this state-of-the-art dormitory as an extension of our commitment to the growth and development of our middle school students. This facility is designed to create a supportive and enriching environment that complements our academic programs and promotes a sense of community," said Amy Jolly, Head of School. 

The school credits MassDevelopment which expects to issue an $11million tax-exempt bond in partnership with Enterprise Bank for making this exciting project possible. Ken Ansin, Enterprise Bank noted “As an Applewild alumnus I am especially excited to be a part of this new project, which reflects the school’s continued progress, as well as that of the greater community. My family has been fortunate to be part of the Applewild family since the early 1970’s, and we celebrate that the school makes life-changing education possible for local youth and preschoolers, allowing the hard-working families of Central Massachusetts access to world-class early childhood education.” Dan Rivera, President and CEO of MassDevelopment, said, “Middle school students who reside at Applewild School will soon have a new dormitory to call their home away from home. The project reflects Applewild’s deep commitment to its students, to Fitchburg, and to the future of our economy.”  

The dormitory is being designed by Lincoln Architects and built by Bennett Building Corp. The new dormitory will be open for occupancy in August 2024.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Greg Miller at [email protected].

About Applewild School:

Founded in 1957, Applewild School serves toddlers through the ninth grade on our flagship 28-acre campus in Fitchburg. Students in grades four through nine may be day or residential. The school also serves toddlers through pre-kindergarten at a satellite location in Devens. Applewild prepares students to be ready to matriculate to the most selective secondary schools. The school also offers specialty programs for skiing, equestrian, and dyslexia. We believe in the future, and we strongly hold that a child’s ultimate trajectory is set during the ages 18-months to fourteen years old. As such, we offer a robust curriculum that offers excellence in academics, arts, and athletics. 

Photo of Groundbreaking:

Rob Anderson (MassDevelopment), Robert Seega (MassDevelopment), Amy Jolly (Applewild Head of School), Greg McIntosh (Lincoln Architects), William E. Aubuchon IV ‘92, P’23, ‘25, ‘27 (Applewild Board of Trustees President), Walter Bennett P’07, ’09 (Bennett Building Corp.), Ken Ansin ‘80 P’00, ‘02 (Enterprise Bank)

Image of Front Elevation: